Arsenal aims for the title, Rice warns Man City ahead of the big clash

Declan Rice sparks motivation before the final, asserting Arsenal is ready to defeat Manchester City to secure their first trophy of the season.

Declan Rice has urged his teammates at Arsenal toward their first trophy of the season, as the Gunners prepare for the intense EFL Cup final against Manchester City.

After securing a spot in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Arsenal is in exceptional form with a 14-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. This weekend's match at Wembley also marks the first time the London club has reached a domestic final since their FA Cup victory in 2020. Facing the experienced Man City under manager Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta's team understands this is not only an opportunity to win a cup but could also serve as a stepping stone for greater ambitions.

Speaking before the match, Declan Rice emphasized the special significance of this trophy: “This could very well be the start of something big. It's the first cup of the season, and winning it would provide a huge boost for the journey ahead.”

The English midfielder also noted that the atmosphere in Arsenal's dressing room is very positive, despite the packed schedule causing inevitable fatigue among the players. “We've talked a lot about this match. The whole team is eager and ready. Every time we step onto the field, we believe we can win,” Rice affirmed. He also posed a question about competitive spirit: “How much do you desire the trophy? How do you want to win for the team and the fans?”

Aside from the mental aspect, Rice specifically highlighted Eberechi Eze as a “game-changer” for Arsenal. Following his stunning goal against Leverkusen, Eze is emerging as a creative spark in the attack. “Not many players can strike the ball like he does. We need to get the ball to Eze more often,” Rice shared.

After the final, Arsenal will enter a crucial phase with a dense schedule, including the Champions League quarter-finals and the Premier League title race. The result against Man City will therefore not only determine a trophy but could shape the entire season for the Gunners—whether they have the resilience to transform from challengers into true champions.